Factors affecting the production of nitrile hydratase by thermophilic Bacillus smithii SC-J05-1.

Ammonium present in the medium was found to control the production of nitrile hydratases (NHase) by a moderate thermophile, Bacillus smithii SC-J05-1. The enzyme production is initiated in the absence of ammonium and suppressed in the presence of ammonium. In addition to cobalt ions as the coordinated metal ion, manganese ions are also required for NHase production.